Genesis 14:23
Genesis 14:23 in Multiple Translations
that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor aught that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
That I will not take so much as a thread or the cord of a shoe of yours; so that you may not say, I have given wealth to Abram:
that I refuse to take anything belonging to you, not a single thread or a sandal strap. Otherwise you might claim, ‘It was me who made Abram rich!’
That I will not take of all that is thine, so much as a threde or shoolatchet, lest thou shouldest say, I haue made Abram riche,
from a thread even unto a shoe-latchet I take not of anything which thou hast, that thou say not, I — I have made Abram rich;
that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
That from the very woof thread unto the shoe latchet, I will not take of any things that are thine, lest thou say I have enriched Abram:
that I will not accept even one thread or a thong of a sandal from anything that belongs to you. As a result, you will never be able to say, ‘I caused Abram to become rich.’
I promised that I will not take anything that belongs to you. I will not even take a bit of string, or anything that belongs to you. You see, I don’t want you to tell everyone that you gave me a lot of things and made me rich.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 14:23
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Genesis 14:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 14:23
Study Notes — Genesis 14:23
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 14:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:23
- Sermons on Genesis 14:23
Context — Melchizedek Blesses Abram
23that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’
24I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 5:16 | But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 11:9–12 | And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast. |
| 3 | Esther 9:15–16 | On the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, the Jews in Susa came together again and put to death three hundred men there, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. The rest of the Jews in the royal provinces also assembled to defend themselves and rid themselves of their enemies. They killed 75,000 who hated them, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. |
| 4 | Hebrews 13:5 | Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” |
| 5 | 1 Kings 13:8 | But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 12:14 | See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 5:20 | Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” |
Genesis 14:23 Summary
[Abram refused to take anything from the king of Sodom because he wanted to make it clear that his wealth and success came from God, not from the king. This shows us the importance of giving glory to God and being humble, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31. By refusing the king's offer, Abram was able to keep his focus on God and trust in His provision, as seen in Psalm 121:2. We can learn from Abram's example and strive to give God the glory in our own lives, no matter what situation we are in.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram refuse to accept anything from the king of Sodom?
Abram refused to accept anything from the king of Sodom because he wanted to give glory to God, not to the king, for his wealth and success, as seen in Genesis 14:22 where he says he has raised his hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.
What does the 'thread, or a strap of a sandal' represent in this verse?
The 'thread, or a strap of a sandal' represents even the smallest or most insignificant thing that belongs to the king of Sodom, and Abram is refusing to accept anything, no matter how small, lest the king think he made Abram rich, as stated in Genesis 14:23.
How does this relate to our lives today?
This verse teaches us about the importance of humility and giving glory to God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, where it says 'whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God', and also reminds us to be mindful of our motivations and the impact of our actions on others, as in Philippians 2:3.
Is it always wrong to accept gifts or help from others?
No, it is not always wrong to accept gifts or help from others, but in this case, Abram is setting an example of dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 121:2, which says 'My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth', and refusing to give credit to someone else for his success.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can give glory to God in my own life, like Abram did in this verse?
- How can I be mindful of my motivations and the impact of my actions on others, like Abram was in this situation?
- What are some things in my life that I can 'refuse' in order to give God the glory, like Abram refused the king's offer?
- How can I trust in God's provision, like Abram did, instead of relying on others or my own strength?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:23
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:23
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:23
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 14:23
Sermons on Genesis 14:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Enter Into His Rest by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in praise and worship, emphasizing the importance of praising and magnifying the name of Jesus. He encourages the be |
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Elijah - Part 6 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, restitution, and rebuilding altars in our lives. It highlights the need to repair broken relationships, fulfill vows made to Go |
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The Question of Finance by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee addresses the critical issue of finance in ministry, emphasizing that the early apostles relied solely on God's provision rather than human support. He argues that tru |
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Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus |
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2005 Missions Conference - Session 1 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a young man named Tim who experienced a traumatic event with his father. Despite the pain and fear he went through, Tim at |
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Holiness & Righteousness - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a personal anecdote about doodling an eagle and giving it away to someone who admired it. He then discusses the importance of being e |
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(Poland) Jesus Loves Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares powerful testimonies of individuals who were living on the streets and trapped in addiction. Through the love of Jesus Christ, they experienced |





